Aachen Car Hire

Guide to Aachen

Geography

It is located in the Tri-border region of Germany, which includes Belgium and the Netherlands. As far as location goes, it's located in between Maastricht, Liège, and Bonn and Cologne. Besides Mönchengladbach, Aachen is the only major German city in the Meuse drainage basin. The Wurm River runs through Aachen. It is the capital of the City Region Aachen.

Climate in Aachen

Temperatures in Aachen and the surrounding region are pleasant in the winter and warm in the summer since the city is located in the westernmost part of Germany. Located north of the Eifel and the High Fens, Aachen receives more rainfall than Bonn due to the westerly weather patterns that predominate there. Additionally, Aachen's physical position on the northern border of the Eifel results in the occurrence of Foehn winds on the southerly air currents.

Culture

Originally a Roman city and spa, Aachen became the favourite medieval Imperial seat of Emperor Charlemagne of the Frankish Empire and from 936 until 1531, the location where 31 Holy Roman Emperors were crowned as Kings of the Germans.

As a result of its proximity to the Netherlands, the city's dialect is heavily influenced by the regional dialects there.

Things To Do in Aachen

Visit the Aachen Cathedral and Treasury

The Aachen Cathedral, also known as the Imperial Cathedral, is a magnificent Roman Catholic cathedral erected under the instructions of Charlemagne as a Palatine chapel towards the end of the 8th century. The throne of Charlemagne here dates back to 796 AD and has been used for the coronation of a long line of Roman monarchs. The cathedral is also the ultimate resting place of Charlemagne, whose mortal bones are housed in a golden reliquary constructed in 1215. The Aachen Cathedral Treasury, which holds one of Europe's most spectacular collections of medieval liturgical art, is also housed on the same grounds.

Discover the exquisite Elisenbrunnen

Aachen has long been known for its spas and medicinal baths. The beautiful Elisenbrunnen was built by the municipality in 1827. This neoclassical pavilion on Friedrich-Wilhelm Platz was erected in 1827 and has two drinking fountains and a colonnade. Eminent historical dignitaries travelled to Aachen to see the Elisenbrunnen's therapeutic qualities. Peter the Great of Russia and musician George Frideric Handel are among them. The names of these persons are commemorated by a set of marble plaques on the building. Nowadays, the venue is also utilized for public events and exhibits, and you may dine at its outstanding restaurant. In the city, there are several spa-centric resorts and bathing facilities where you may engage in therapeutic treatments.

Take your kids to the Aachener Tierpark Zoo

The Aachener Tierpark Euregiozoo is a popular family attraction in Aachen. This zoo, located in the Drimborner Waldchen protection area southeast of the city centre, has over 1700 animals from over 250 species. Aside from local European species, you may also see exotic animals such as cheetahs, ankole-watusi cattle, Asian camels, zebras, antelopes, African ostriches, tropical birds, and various primates. Children will enjoy the pony rides and petting zoo, as well as the adventure playground developed just for them.

Eating out in Aachen

The cuisine of Aachen is inspired by neighbouring nations such as the Netherlands and Belgium. It boasts a number of sophisticated restaurants as well as more economical eateries that cater to a wide range of tastes. Here are a few of our favourites:

La Becasse is an opulent restaurant that serves delectable French food. For lunch, the menu varies daily, and for dinner, you may choose from a variety of dishes or French classics. Am Knipp is Aachen's oldest restaurant, serving classic German meat dishes. On a warm evening, you may enjoy your dinner in its beer garden. Al Triangolo is a fantastic Italian restaurant with a fantastic atmosphere. Here, you can order freshly made pasta.

Transport

Airport

Maastricht Airport (MST), located 27 kilometres from Aachen, serves the city. Other nearby airports include Dusseldorf Airport (73.5 km away) and Cologne Bonn Airport (73.9 km away).

Getting Around Aachen

Getting around Aachen is easy! The old town area is also quite walkable, and you can visit most of the tourist sites on foot. The ASEAG-operated city bus system has extensive routes and is quite dependable. Buses stop often on street corners and in public spaces. Taxis may be flagged down or a taxi company might be called. Many people also opt to hire a vehicle for maximum freedom and flexibility.